Supporting profile arrangement of explosion-inhibiting design for a facade construction

ABSTRACT

A supporting profile arrangement of an explosion-inhibiting design for a façade construction. The supporting profile arrangement includes a framework formed by mullion supporting profile arrangements or transom supporting profile arrangement. Also included are framework planar elements fastened to the framework by a pressure profile. Further included is a supporting profile. At least one energy-absorbing component is included in the supporting profile or arranged in the supporting profile. The at least one energy absorbing component is configured to absorb energy released during an explosion.

This application is a National Phase Application of PCT/EP2008/094289, filed on Oct. 22, 2008, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority to German Patent Application No. 20 2008 001 191.4, filed on Jan. 28, 2008, the contents of both of which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a supporting profile arrangement of an explosion-inhibiting design for a façade construction.

A façade construction of a known type without any explosion-inhibiting design is illustrated in German Patent Document DE 299 19 630 U1.

A façade construction designed in an explosion-inhibiting fashion is illustrated in German Patent Document DE 20 2007 007 113 U1. This construction has supporting profile arrangements which have complicated constructions and are disadvantageous with respect to their visual effect in comparison to known façade constructions. The construction of German Patent Document DE 37 44 816 U1 has similar disadvantages.

The present disclosure addresses and provides for elimination of the complications and the disadvantages noted above.

The present disclosure relates to a supporting profile arrangement of an explosion-inhibiting design for a façade construction. The supporting profile arrangement includes a framework formed by mullion supporting profile arrangements or transom supporting profile arrangements. Also included are framework planar elements fastened to the framework by a pressure profile. Further included is a supporting profile. At least one energy-absorbing component is included in the supporting profile or arranged in the supporting profile. The at least one energy absorbing component is configured to absorb energy release during an explosion.

Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, the supporting profile arrangements have a supporting profile which may be constructed in one piece and in which at least one energy-absorbing component is arranged or which has a component designed for absorbing energy released during explosions.

Visually, the supporting profile arrangement, according to the present disclosure, does not differ from constructions without any explosion-inhibiting effect because the energy-absorbing elements with respect to their cross-section, that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the supporting profile, are completely accommodated in a supporting profile or cross-sectionally are completely enclosed by the latter or form a part of this supporting profile which is not visible from the outside.

Furthermore, an excellent explosion-inhibiting effect is achieved in the case of the pressure at first occurring after an explosion as well as during the suction which follows. An embodiment of the present disclosure represents a further development in addressing the explosion-inhibiting effect. Accordingly, a component is constructed for absorbing pressure energy first released during explosions and then absorbing suction energy released subsequently to the pressure effect, so that break-offs during explosions are particularly easily avoided.

At least one base is constructed on the component. This base has an advantage that, via the base, an area is created which can be anchored well on the component, particularly if the base is constructed as at least one or more of base plates.

The base, in turn, is very suitable for the arrangement and formation of a compressible element and/or for the implementation of the measure that at least on projection is formed on the element, particularly the base, which projection will engage in a corresponding recess only after an explosion. This makes it possible to implement leading function in a simple manner. It is within the scope of the present disclosure to provide the projection with a detent head which engages in a recess at the supporting profile only after the explosion event. This ensures that, in the event of an explosion, when areas of the supporting profile are pushed together or pulled apart, which are mutually connected by way of weakened/thinner predetermined breaking or bending points, the compressible element will additionally connect these areas, as required, by way of a detent head or the like. That is in order to prevent, for example, a portion of the supporting profile being at first upset by pressure and then broken off by suction. In this manner, the element can, in addition, easily be preassembled. On the other hand, when the detent head engages, energy can be absorbed by the engagement because the detent head and/or the recess themselves can deform during the engagement. In a supplementary fashion, it is advantageous for the supporting profile to then, in the area in which it has the element, have a wall thickness that is thinner relative to the remaining wall thickness in the walls extending perpendicular to the planar element plane.

It is desirable for the at least one projection to have a body-type construction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one projection extends in the manner of a web continuously parallel to the supporting profile over its entire length. However, as an alternative, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the projection to extend with interruptions in sections in a web-type manner parallel to the supporting profile.

Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following descriptions when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 7 are sectional views of various supporting profile arrangements for a façade construction for buildings, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 d are sectional views of a supporting profile arrangement which, as examples, in successive images schematically illustrate the time-related behavior of the supporting profile arrangement of FIG. 1 before and after an explosion.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the area of a mullion of a façade construction, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate several embodiments of supporting profile arrangements 1 for a façade construction which, for example, with the exception of the supporting profile arrangements 1, can be constructed in the fashion of German Patent Document DE 299 19 30 U1. The embodiments have a framework formed of mullion supporting profile arrangements 1 (see FIG. 9 concerning the basic construction) and transom supporting profile arrangements, on which framework planar elements 4 are fixed by pressure profiles 2 by way of seals 3. The following constructions or embodiments can be implemented on the transom supporting profile arrangements as well as on the mullion supporting profile arrangements. In the mounted condition, supporting profiles 9 are situated on the inside relative to a planar element plane of the building and the pressure profiles 2 are situated on the outside.

As shown in FIG. 9, the supporting profiles 2 have, for example, an outer contour that is trapezoidal in its sectional view and are fastened by way of screws 5 and sliding blocks 6 arranged on the screws 5 in undercut dovetailed grooves 7 of the supporting profile arrangements 1. The planar elements 4 are held between the pressure profiles 2 and the supporting profiles 1. Cover shells 8 are locked onto the pressure profiles 2.

The supporting profile arrangement 1 of FIG. 1 is discussed below.

On both sides of a center plane M extending perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 1, the supporting profile arrangement 1 has a mirror-symmetrical construction, which has an advantageous effect on the behavior after an explosion, but is not absolutely necessary.

Furthermore, the supporting profile arrangement 1 may have a one-piece supporting or basic profile 9 which may be metallic and which, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, has one interior hollow chamber (see FIGS. 1 to 3). According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the supporting profile 9 has several interior hollow chambers 10, 11 (see FIGS. 6, 7). When only one hollow chamber 10 or 11 is provided, the one hollow chamber may have hollow-chamber areas 12, 13 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3) which are separated from one another by webs 14 (see, for example, FIGS. 1, 2, 3) projecting from the basic profile 9 toward the interior. If several hollow chambers 10, 11 are provided, these can be separated from one another by separating walls 15 (see FIGS. 6, 7).

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the basic or supporting profile 9 may be constructed as one piece.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, a sectionally rectangular reinforcing profile 16, which may be hollow and may be metallic, is inserted in the hollow-chamber area 12 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) facing away from the planar elements 4 or into the hollow chamber 10 (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

In the section of the hollow-chamber area 12 remaining between the webs 14 and the reinforcing profile 16 and the hollow-chamber area 13 or the additional hollow chamber 11, in each case an energy-absorbing component 17 is arranged, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 7. Component 17 is designed for absorbing or absorbing by deformation kinetic energy in the event of an explosion.

Such kinetic energy is generated in that, as a result of the explosion, the pressure profile 2 moves relative to the façade profile. In the sectional view of FIG. 1, in the plane perpendicular to the main dimension direction of the supporting profiles 1, component 17 is enclosed on all sides by the supporting profile 9. As illustrated in the FIGS. 1-7, it may also extend in a manner of a profile perpendicular to the plane of the FIGS. 1-7. In such a case, it may be placed to be continuous or in sections.

The supporting profile arrangements 1 are constructed such that they absorb energy released during explosions inside a building or also outside a building.

For this purpose, each of the supporting profile arrangements 1 of FIGS. 1 to 7 has at least one or more energy-absorbing components 17 which are integrated in the supporting profiles 9 without being visible from the outside. They may be constructed in one piece with the supporting profiles 9 or may be inserted in the latter, or may be constructed as one or as several pieces.

The energy-absorbing components 17 are constructed such that they dampen, absorb and consume energy released during an explosion. In a supplementary fashion, at least in the case of some of the illustrated supporting profiles 9, the latter themselves are also constructed such that they also absorb energy released during an explosion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the components 17 have two base plates 18, 19 which are spaced parallel to one another and are mutually connected by way of one or, as shown, several webs 20 in one piece.

The webs 20 may have a V-shaped or bent construction, in which case a type of predetermined buckling point is constructed at the tip of the V and the aperture angle α of the V may be, for example, larger than 0°, or, for example, may be larger than 30°.

The base plates 18, 19 are aligned parallel to the plane of the planar elements 4.

Projections 21, which may form bodies projecting in the direction of the exterior side of the façade and which have a type of detent head at their tip, shown, for example, as a mushroom head 22, project from the base plate 19 situated closer to the planar elements 4.

One or more recesses 25 are formed on the interior side of each wall 24 of the supporting profiles 9, on which the planar elements 4 rest by way of the sealing devices 3 in recesses 23 and on which the groove 7 is formed. Recesses 25 are designed to accommodate the detent heads, or mushroom heads 22, after an explosion but into which recesses 25 the mushroom heads 22 do not engage in the normal attaching condition of the façade to a building.

Two walls 26, 27 of the basic profile 9, which extend perpendicularly to the wall 24, have a thinner construction in an area 28 extending parallel next to the projections 21 than in their other areas and, as required, may have V-shaped predetermined buckling sections 29.

For example, the projections 21 have a doubled-walled rhombic area designed to be absorbing energy after explosions by deformation, and a guiding and detent area shown as the detent head 22.

Such an arrangement of FIG. 1 is shown in FIGS. 8 a to 8 d.

FIG. 8 a corresponds to FIG. 1 and illustrates the condition of the supporting profile arrangement 1 before an explosion. In the case of an explosion taking place outside the building, the pressure profile 2 will, among other things, by way of the sliding block 6 in the groove 7, press the wall 24 in the direction of the interior of the building by a force F, so that the thinner areas 28 and the possibly existing predetermined buckling points 29 will yield. If, during an explosion, a relative movement between the pressure profiles 2 and the supporting profile arrangements 1 takes place in such a manner, the outer or basic profiles 9 will buckle first in this area, whereby they will absorb some energy (see FIGS. 8 b, 8 c).

Furthermore, a relative movement between the wall 24 and the energy-consuming component 17 is caused, which finally has the effect that the mushroom heads 22 lock into the recesses 25 provided for this purpose (see FIG. 8 c).

After that during this process, the energy-absorbing component 17 is compressed. Thus, the webs 20 buckle, as shown in FIG. 8 c, whereby the two base plates 18, 19 are moved toward one another, in which case, as a result of the deformation of the webs 20, energy is also converted or absorbed. Furthermore, the projections 21 are also deformed, which may be constructed such, for example, double-walled, that they are shortened and deformed during the explosion and thereby also absorb energy.

Finally, as a result of the pressure ratios after the explosion, by suction, a countermovement takes place during which the webs 20 are pulled apart and, among other things, are even broken off. A tearing-off can also take place in the area of the predetermined buckling points 29 and thinner wall areas. However, the detent heads or mushroom heads 22, as a rule or often, still prevent the wall 24 from completely being torn away from the remaining profile. In this case, the interior webs or projections 14 will hold one of the base plates 19. In addition, they absorb energy by deformation.

The energy-absorbing component 17 may be constructed in one or more pieces. A one-piece design may be advantageous. As required, a foam-type area or another compressible element may be constructed on the component 17, and may, for example, be molded to the component 17.

Thus, in the case of the energy-absorbing component 17, instead of the webs 20, a compressible element 30, which may be made of an elastomer, a honeycomb material, a metal foam or the like, may be arranged (not shown) between the base plates 18, 19, if the compressible element is fixed on the base plates 18, 19, which can take place, for example, by coextrusion. If the profiles include aluminum, the use of an aluminum foam 30 may be expedient and advantageous (see FIG. 5), so that the profile can also, alone, form the energy-absorbing component 17 in sections in this manner.

In addition, when such an element 30 is used, one of the two base plates 18, 19 can be saved (see FIG. 3) and the element 30 can be arranged directly on the one remaining base plate 19.

The base plate 19 situated in the direction of the webs 14 may remain in the construction. FIG. 2 shows such an arrangement. Otherwise, the method of operation corresponds largely to that of FIG. 8, in which case, the element 30 is, however, first compressed and then expanded.

According to FIG. 3, no detent heads 22 are implemented that can engage in detent recesses 25 when an explosion takes place but small web-type projections 31 on the two base plates 18, 19 which are separated by way of the compressible element 30 and cannot engage in a locking manner in corresponding recesses 32 in the, for example, double wall 24 but could engage there at least in a guiding or even clamping manner. As a result, the detent effect of FIG. 1 is eliminated. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to screw a screw 35 through the wall 24 into the elements 17, 30 in order to achieve a holding effect similar to the detent heads 22. This is also in the case of the expansion in the manner of that shown in FIG. 8 c (see also FIG. 3). The projections with the mushroom heads 22 will then not be necessary (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 4, the chamber 13 is filled by an energy-absorbing component 17 which includes a compressible material.

When metal foam is used, it can, in one piece, form a portion of the metal profile (see FIG. 5). Also, in the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, during the compression of the components 17, which are constructed here as compressible elements 17, 30, energy is first absorbed by compression. Furthermore, the metal foam also provides protection against a tearing-off during the suction following the pressure effect.

As shown in FIG. 6, an energy-absorbing component 17,30 is inserted into the chamber 11, which component 17,30 has projections or bodies having detent heads 22 not only in the direction of the wall 24 but also in the direction of the separating wall 15 (see FIG. 5). In such a case, detent recesses 25 are also provided in the wall 15 so that, in the case of the pressure occurring after an explosion, an engagement into the detent recesses 25 takes place at the two sides with the detent heads 22 which face away from one another.

The component 17 of FIG. 6 may include compressible material in one piece or, similar to FIG. 1, may be provided with two base plates 18, 19 (not shown).

Correspondingly, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, webs 31 and recesses 32 are provided on the two exterior surfaces of the energy-absorbing element 17, which face away from one another, and on the wall 24 as well as the wall 15. In a supplementary fashion a screw bore hole may be provided here into the component 17 (not shown).

In addition, parallel to the plane of the planar element 4, webs 33 and recesses 34 engage in one another and in this manner hold the energy-consuming component 17 in position during the mounting. Such a solution is also shown in FIG. 3 in the case of the lower or interior base plate 19.

In all embodiments according to the present disclosure, the one-piece visual appearance of the supporting profile arrangement 1 is not impaired. The protective effect in the event of explosions will exist nevertheless.

Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that this is done by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims. 

1. A supporting profile arrangement of an explosion-inhibiting design for a façade construction, the supporting profile arrangement comprising: a framework formed by mullion supporting profile arrangements or transom supporting profile arrangements; framework planar elements fastened to the framework by a pressure profile; a supporting profile; and at least one energy-absorbing component included in the supporting profile or arranged in the supporting profile, the at least one energy absorbing component being configured to absorb energy released during an explosion.
 2. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein in a plane perpendicular to a main dimensional direction of the supporting profile, the at least one component is enclosed on all sides by walls of the supporting profile.
 3. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the at least one component is configured to absorb pressure energy released during the explosion following a pressure effect.
 4. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one component is configured to absorb suction energy released during the explosion following a pressure effect.
 5. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is configured to absorb pressure energy first released during the explosion and then absorbing suction energy released following a pressure effect.
 6. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is compressible.
 7. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the supporting profile is constructed in one piece and completely encloses the at least one component.
 8. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is constructed in one piece.
 9. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is constructed of a plurality of pieces.
 10. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component includes one or both of plastic material and metal.
 11. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one base plate is formed on the at least one component.
 12. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the at least one base plate is constructed as a plurality of base plates.
 13. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a compressible area is formed on the at least one base plate.
 14. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 11, wherein a compressible element is arranged on the at least one base plate.
 15. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the at least one base plate and the compressible element are formed in a coextrusion process.
 16. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of base plates are aligned parallel to a plane of a planar element.
 17. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 14, wherein at least one projection is formed on the compressible element, which at least one projection engages in a recess only after the explosion.
 18. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection includes a body-type construction.
 19. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection extends in a web-type manner parallel to the supporting profile.
 20. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection extends with interruptions in sections in a web-type manner parallel to the supporting profile.
 21. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection includes a detent head configured to engage in a locking manner in a detent recess only after the explosion.
 22. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection includes a plurality of detent heads configured to engage with a plurality of detent recesses.
 23. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the detent head is located only on one of the base plates.
 24. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 22, wherein one or more of the projections, having detent heads, and the detent recesses are constructed on two exterior surfaces of the base plates either facing away from one another or facing away from walls or an interior separating wall of the supporting profile.
 25. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one projection engages in a clamping manner after the explosion in the detent recess.
 26. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is a foam area which is constructed in one piece with the supporting profile.
 27. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is a foam area which is located in a hollow chamber of the supporting profile.
 28. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the supporting profile includes a groove configured to receive a sliding block and a fastener which connects the pressure profile with the supporting profile.
 29. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the fastener is a screw that extends into the at least one component.
 30. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component is fastened to the supporting profile.
 31. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of base plates are connected with one another by at least one compressible element.
 32. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 31, wherein the at least one compressible element includes a foam material.
 33. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the plurality base plates are connected with one another by webs which are formed in one piece with the base plates and are deformed during the explosion.
 34. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 33, wherein the webs include a predetermined bending or buckling point.
 35. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the supporting profile includes at least one hollow chamber.
 36. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the supporting profile includes an interior web or a separating wall to support the at least one component.
 37. The support profile arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the supporting profile includes a reinforcing profile inserted therein.
 38. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the supporting profile, in an area including the at least one component, has a wall thickness that is thinner relative to a remaining wall thickness in walls extending perpendicular to the plane of the planar element.
 39. The support profile arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the at least one projection is formed on the at least one base plate, which at least one projection engages in a recess only after the explosion.
 40. The supporting profile arrangement according to claim 39, wherein the reinforcing profile is metallic. 